A major wildlife trafficking case in California has led to federal charges after authorities accused a man of trying to illegally export hundreds of protected turtles from the United States to Taiwan. Prosecutors say the case highlights the growing international black market for rare wildlife and the importance of conservation laws designed to protect vulnerable species.
California Man Faces Federal Turtle Trafficking Charges
Donald Do of Daly City has been arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes related to wildlife trafficking.
According to the United States Department of Justice, Do faces charges including:
- Conspiracy
- Violations of the Lacey Act
- Submitting false information to obtain export permits
Federal prosecutors say Do has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Nearly 300 Protected Turtles Allegedly Targeted
According to the indictment, Do and an alleged accomplice attempted to export 292 Loggerhead Musk Turtle specimens to Taiwan between December 2022 and May 2024.
Investigators claim Do:
- Purchased turtles allegedly poached from the wild in Florida and other areas
- Sought additional turtles from suppliers across multiple states
- Instructed sellers to ship turtles to San Francisco for export
Authorities allege he specifically told sellers he was willing to buy “wild-caught” turtles.
Second Suspect Also Arrested
Federal investigators also connected Do to Albert Bazaar, a man from Louisiana who was separately detained in Phoenix on related turtle trafficking charges.
According to prosecutors, Bazaar allegedly helped obtain federal permits by falsely claiming that Do had personally hatched and raised the turtles.
Authorities say Do attempted to acquire more than 200 additional turtles through Bazaar.
Investigators Say False Paperwork Was Used
The investigation found that Do allegedly submitted false paperwork to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to secure export permits.
After export attempts reportedly failed, investigators say Do tried to hide his involvement by falsely telling a co-conspirator that the turtles had been sold to domestic buyers.
Federal officials believe these actions were intended to conceal the trafficking operation.
Part of Major Wildlife Enforcement Operation
The case is part of a larger enforcement effort known as Operation Southern Hot Herps.
This joint state and federal investigation was launched to:
- Detect turtle poaching
- Stop illegal reptile trafficking
- Protect native turtle populations
- Enforce wildlife conservation laws across the southeastern United States
What Is the Lacey Act?
The Lacey Act is one of America’s oldest wildlife protection laws.
It makes it illegal to:
- Provide false information about wildlife shipments
- Sell wildlife taken in violation of state laws
- Transport illegally obtained animals across state or international borders
Violations can lead to serious criminal penalties.
Protected Turtle Species at the Center of the Case
The Loggerhead Musk Turtle is a protected species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species since 2022.
The species is known for:
- Its unusually large head
- Powerful jaw muscles
- Ability to crush hard-shelled prey
- Long lifespans that can exceed 70 years
These turtles are highly valued in illegal exotic animal markets, making them targets for traffickers.
Possible Penalties
If convicted, Donald Do could face:
- Up to 5 years in federal prison for each major charge
- Fines of up to $250,000 per charge
- Additional penalties related to conspiracy allegations
He is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 21.
